Less than 20 days before the season resumes, OGC Nice is testing itself with a series of friendly matches. Beaten 1-0 by Raja Casablanca, Claude Puel’s men will face the Greeks of PAOK Saloniki. It’s an opportunity to assess the squad, expectations for the upcoming season, and the real objectives.
After an almost perfect season crowned with a qualifying spot for the Europa League playoffs, it will be challenging to do better for the 2013/2014 season. And this for several reasons.
Firstly, OGC Nice held the status of a surprise team last year. Many teams were able to underestimate the capabilities of the Aiglons, who were far from being favorites for a European spot on paper. One thing is certain, the scenario will be entirely different this year. The status of the Niรงois has changed, and many teams will want to claim the scalp of last season’s fourth-place finisher in the league.
Secondly, the solidarity displayed by the group last season will be difficult to replicate. Renato Civelli, a loyal partner to Dario Cvitanich, has left for other horizons. Moreover, the Argentine striker, in addition to demanding a higher salary, sees the defender’s departure as a significant blow. Even though President Rivรจre insists on keeping Cvitanich, the player himself is contemplating his future. For now, absent from the squad selected against Raja Casablanca, he is present in the one facing PAOK Saloniki. Other players have also doubted before ultimately extending their red and black contracts, such as winger Eric Bautheac and Didier Digard, who is also on the verge of an extension. For now, it’s premature to assume that these players will replicate the same statistical performances.
Thirdly, in case of qualification for the Europa League group stage, OGC Nice will play in four competitions (League Cup, French Cup, championship, and Europa League). Despite the loss of just one player, the squad is a bit too thin quantitatively to compete on all fronts. The staff is still looking for a central defender and might consider replacing Dario Cvitanich’s departure. Claude Puel will have to be cautious not to exhaust his squad to avoid paying for it at the end of the season. We remember the misadventures of Auxerre, Toulouse, and St Etienne, all qualified for European competitions and struggling in the league.
But, behind these pessimistic signals, other reasons to believe persist. Firstly, we must highlight the staff’s serenity as well as the increase in several youth academy graduates and the arrival of the new stadium. Many parameters that three-quarters of Ligue 1 clubs do not possess. The Nice club wishes to grow and establish itself sustainably at the highest level, thanks to the quality of its infrastructure, its young talents, and the potential financial returns provided by the large stadium. A bet on the future that seduces supporters who need to be aware of the season’s difficulty. But if the Aiglons navigate the 2013/2014 season without obstacles, the future could be very bright indeed.
Photo credit: www.ogcnice.com (Alexandre Debbache)
